Gianluca Zambrotta, the legendary Italian right-back is expected to be imminently announced as the new manager of the Delhi Dynamos. The Indian Super League side seem to have secured the Italian’s services and he is expected to pen a two-year contract.
Zambrotta is widely recognized as one of the best wingbacks to have played the game, and has won a number of titles with Juventus, AC Milan and Barcelona. He was also a critical part of the 2006 World Cup winning Italian team and was known for his ability to get forward and defend resolutely in equal measure. Zambrotta has most recently the coach of Swiss club FC Chiasso. His side finished 7th in the 10-team Swiss Challenge League last season.
The 39-year-old will replace another of the best wingbacks of our times in Roberto Carlos as manager of the Delhi outfit. Simone Barone, another player who was part of the 2006 World Cup squad will be Zambrotta’s assistant.
Also read: Steve Coppell's managerial career: What does he bring to the Kerala Blasters and the ISL?
Delhi Dynamos had lost out to Goa in the semi-finals of last year’s Indian Super League campaign and will be hoping that Zambrotta can help them go at least one step further this year. The new Indian Super League season will kick-off in September and both Zambrotta and Barone will head back to Italy in December when the season ends to prepare for the 2017 season.
Delhi were often porous in defense last year, conceding 23 goals in 16 games including the semi-finals and Zambrotta will look to organize them better for this season. The Dynamos have been busy preparing for the new season, renewing their contract with Mohun Bagan midfielder Souvik Chakraborty and have also moved to sign his teammate Kean Lewis in moves aimed at strengthening their midfield.
Souvik won the I-League with Mohun Bagan in 2015 and is renown for his energy and athleticism in the middle of the park.
Rivaldo, the Brazilian world cup winning star and Ciro Ferrara, another former distinguished Italian footballer were also linked with the Delhi Dynamos managerial post in the past, but the club will no doubt be thrilled with securing Zambrotta’s services.
